Sheriff, AG hold ‘tactical briefing’ on improving church security

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WILX) - Local law enforcement officials are on high-alert in the wake of last Sunday’s mass shooting at the Mormon church in Grand Blanc Township.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Attorney General Dana Nessel on Friday held a “tactical briefing” aimed at educating church leaders from across the state on how they can enhance security in the wake of the attack.

More than 500 faith leaders and community members attended the event to hear how they can better protect their congregations.

Nessel said the key to preventing tragedies is spotting warning signs like hateful rhetoric, strong grievances or violent ideas targeted at a group.

Authorities have not identified an exact motive for the suspected shooter in the Grand Blanc attack — 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford — but friends have said he expressed hate towards the Mormon church.

Nessel emphasized if you see concerning behavior, you should say something — because in most cases, there are opportunities to stop an attack before it happens.

“There are little windows of opportunity where a potential criminal can be reached and stopped before tragedy occurs,” Nessel said at Friday’s event. “We have the power through our laws and rhetoric to influence what the final outcome turns out to be.”

Speakers at Friday’s event suggest places of worship should have greeters at entrances trained to identify weapons at a glance. They also could add patrols to keep an eye out for suspicious activities in parking lots or other areas.

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